There’s no end to luxurious hotels in countries such as India, Japan and Indonesia –but we’ve pinned down five of the best hotels in Asia, all of which can be booked through Cathay.
Whether you’re looking for an opulent urban getaway or a peaceful green resort to recharge, you won’t have to lift a finger at these top hotels. Pillow menus, personal butlers and Michelin-starred restaurants are just some of what lies in store. After spending so much time at home these past few years, why not? You deserve to be pampered.
Bali is home to many outstanding resorts, but Mandapa is a cut above. This five-star hotel’s name translates to ‘temple’ in Sanskrit and it’s a shrine to luxury hospitality, with butler-serviced villas and a riverfront spa specialising in Balinese treatments.
Nestled amongst Ubud’s rainforests, its striking pool villas boast views over neighbouring rice paddies and lush jungles. Additional details like bicycle rentals allow guests to explore the area at their own pace – or opt for a vintage VW convertible tour to keep things comfortable – before returning to Sawah Terrace restaurant and its view of bubbling the Ayung River to refuel.
The Grand Hyatt Tokyo is a recurring feature on Tokyo’s best hotel lists, and for superb reason. Located in the upscale Roppongi Hills neighbourhood, it’s a luxurious base for urban explorers, located close to attractions like the always-intriguing Mori Art Museum, the delicate cherry blossoms of Mohri Garden, and endless designer stores. Smart rooms are filled with dark mahogany furnishings and Egyptian cotton linens, while out the windows the beautiful sprawl of Tokyo is laid out before you.
The Signiel Seoul takes great pride in representing Korean luxury hospitality on the international stage. With 235 calming light-filled rooms decorated with tasteful cherry blossom details, it occupies floors 76-101 of the Lotte World Tower, the world’s fifth-tallest building. The result? Sprawling panoramic views over Seoul, best viewed from the sky-high indoor swimming pool.
Make time for a dinner reservation at not one, but two of the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurants: the French fine-dining space Stay helmed by celebrity chef Yannick Alleno, and contemporary Korean fine-dining establishment Bicena .
As one of Hong Kong’s best-established names, the Mandarin Oriental is still the hotel to beat more than five decades after it opened its doors. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, a recent round of renovation works has breathed new life into the property, which balances an elegant past with touches of modernity.
Choose a harbour-facing room for a postcard-perfect view of Victoria Harbour, and book in for the Mandarin’s afternoon tea at the Clipper Lounge – complete with freshly baked scones best spread liberally with the hotel’s signature rose petal jam. Its luxurious spa combines the best of eastern and western self-care rituals, making it a go-to pampering destination for discerning Hongkongers and visitors alike.
Bonus tip: Enjoy a rate of 5HKD = 1 (Green members) or 4HKD = 1 (Silver members or above) when you book with Cathay, plus earn bonus miles when you pay for this hotel with your Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard.
Palatial grandeur is the name of the game with The Leela Palace hotels, and its New Delhi outpost continues to raise the bar. With opulent interiors and a vibrant collection of contemporary Indian art, this five-star hotel is renowned for its service, with butlers appointed to you for the duration of your stay.
The rooms, furnished with golden trappings, are designed to ensure the perfect night’s sleep – the pillow menu allows you to choose where you’d most like to lay your head. The hotel also boasts a range of culinary destinations – and its Japanese restaurant, Megu , was recently recognised as one of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants this year.
Bonus tip: Enjoy a rate of 5HKD = 1 (Green members) or 4HKD = 1 (Silver members or above) when you book with Cathay, plus earn bonus miles when you pay for this hotel with your Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard.